The move was made in return to a long-term loan to Greece of a small Italian fragment, part of a 160-meter-long frieze at the outer walls of the Parthenon.
In theory, the fragment was lent to the Acropolis museum for a maximum of eight years.
However, Italian and Greek officials have confirmed they started proceedings to work towards its “indefinite return” to Athens.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni was present at a ceremony in Palermo to deliver the statue. In attendance were also the general director of the Acropolis Museum, and officials from both countries.
Ms Mendoni said that the move indicated the path that London can follow in this regard.
"The return and reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures in Athens is a moral obligation for all of Europe, in the context of protecting our common cultural heritage.
"Greece does not recognise any right of ownership, possession and exploitation of these. On the contrary, it is constitutionally obliged and morally justified in demanding and striving for their final, permanent and irrevocable return by any legal and available means, in order to restore justice and the moral order and chiefly to restore the integrity of the monument," she said.
